January 31, 2018 3.42 pm This story is over 74 months old

True heroes: Meet the Lincolnshire Police officers who investigated the Spalding murders

Their efforts have been recognised.
(L-R) Markham and Edwards

Lincolnshire Police officers and detectives who investigated the Spalding murders have been commended for their professionalism, dedication and commitment.

Elizabeth Edwards and 13-year-old daughter Katie were murdered by Elizabeth’s daughter Kim and her boyfriend Lucas Markham, who were both 14 at the time.

The couple, who are believed to be Britain’s youngest double murderers, were jailed for life back in November 2016.

Markham (left) and Edwards were sentenced to 17-and-a-half years in prison. Photo: Facebook

Nottingham Crown Court heard that the killings took place within minutes of one another, after they had planned the murders at McDonald’s days earlier.

Both victims were stabbed in the neck by the boy as they lay asleep in adjoining bedrooms at their home.

Following the horrific killings, the pair took a bath together to wash off the blood, before having sex and watching a Twilight vampire film.

Detective Superintendent Martin Holvey receiving his commendation

The case was overseen by the senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Martin Holvey, who had to deal with the complexities of the case, including the fact that the defendants were children and therefore could not be named.

Sergeant Chris Fletcher receiving his commendation

Police Constable Charles Ferguson receiving his commendation

Police Constable Alastair Pullen receiving his commendation

The first police officers on the scene were Sergeant Chris Fletcher, Police Constable Charles Ferguson and Police Constable Alastair Pullen, who made the discovery of the bodies and subsequently, arrested the teenagers.

Crime scene manager John Betts and crime scene investigator Mark Green managed the scene of the murder, with their work providing early interpretations of what may have happened.

Lincolnshire Police said this was vital as the murderers both initially refused to comment.

Detective Constables Mark Croft and Matthew Naylor worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and barristers, liaising with other agencies to gather all evidence and information.

Detective Jim Hodgson receiving his commendation

Detective Inspector Jim Hodgson supported the senior investigating officer throughout the investigation to its conclusion at court.

The now retired Detective Inspector Helen Evans liaised by the senior investigating officer and children’s services, creating a successful and trusting working relationship.

Detective Constable Beth Wilmot receiving her commendation

Detective Constable Christopher Dickinson receiving his commendation

Detective Constable Lorraine Speight receiving her commendation

Family liaison officers Detective Constables Beth Wimot, Christopher Dickinson and Lorraine Speight were commended for their care and professionalism.

Detective Constable Dianne Squires receiving her commendation

Detective Constable Dianne Squires obtained all school and medical records for the defendants, and was pivotal in obtaining witness accounts from young vulnerable witnesses.

Sergeant Sarah Allen receiving her commendation

Sergeant Sarah Allen, along with Angela Hibbitt and Carole Flintham, ran the incident room, supporting the investigation and assisting the officers in building the prosecution file.

All those who worked on the investigation were recognised for going above and beyond at the Lincolnshire Police’s Annual Recognition Awards, hosted by Chief Constable Bill Skelly on Tuesday, January 30.